Step Out in Faith

22 “As soon as the people were fed, Jesus told his disciples to get into their boat and to go to the other side of the lake while he stayed behind to dismiss the people. 23 After the crowds dispersed, Jesus went up into the hills to pray. And as night fell he was there praying alone. 24 But the disciples, who were now in the middle of the lake, ran into trouble, for their boat was tossed about by the high winds and heavy seas. 25 At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the waves! 

26 When the disciples saw him walking on top of the water, they were terrified and screamed, “A ghost!” 27 Then Jesus said, “Be brave and don’t be afraid. I am here!” 28 Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!” 29 “Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus.
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30 But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. 31 Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” 32 And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased.”
Matthew 14:22-32 The Passion Translation

There is so much we can learn from these verses.  Peter was the only one in the boat that spoke up asking to join Jesus on the water. I can only imagine what the other guys in the boat thought or said about Peter's request. 

Fill in the blank for yourself!

Peter was willing to get out of the boat, in-spite of the circumstances surrounding them. They're in the middle of a storm. It's dark, it's a bad scene. Their boat is being tossed about by the high winds and heavy seas!

Disregarding the circumstances, Peter asked Jesus to invite him out on the water.

Jesus did just that. Peter got out of the boat heading toward Jesus, walking on the water, when Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus to the terrible storm, and his situation, the Scripture says “he became frightened and started to sink”

​The storm was real, it certainly was a difficult situation. Now things were going well for Peter as long as he kept his focus on Jesus and remembering the invitation Jesus had given to join him.

For a time faith sustained him but then fear got the best of Peter. As easily as happened to Peter it can happen to us.

Let's keep our focus on Jesus, and the Word (they are One) so that when a storm hits we are ready, well prepared!